The three best transfer targets from every country at the World Cup.
As the World Cup approaches, clubs the world over will have their eyes peeled for bargains, hidden gems and big stars to spend their cash on during the transfer window, and we’ve compiled a list of the best three players from every country at this year’s tournament that could tempt teams to get the chequebook out.
Brazil
Dani Alves – Barcelona
The veteran full-back has seen his place in the Catalonian first team come under threat recently, and though he is still a capable performer there is a sense that the club could be ready to cash in on him now rather than wait for him to get older and lose value. Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain have reportedly been keeping an eye on him and may decide to splash out on some star quality after the tournament.
David Luiz – Chelsea
The defender-cum-defensive-midfielder has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, and looks set to be moving on once the tournament reaches its conclusion. However, despite not featuring so regularly in the Premier League, he is still expected to play a major part in the Selecao’s campaign, and depending on how well he does the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich may face off against each other to win his signature.
Fred – Fluminense
The former Lyon man may not be the world’s most prolific goalscorer, but what he lacks in goals he makes up for with power and directness. He will be expected to lead Brazil’s front line this summer with Neymar playing off him. And it is abilities to bring others into the game that has attracted the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to take a closer look at him through the World Cup.
Croatia
Dejan Lovren – Southampton
Defensive ace Lovren was highly rated at Lyon, but ultimately disappointed during his time there. However, at Southampton this season he has been a revelation. So much so that Liverpool are considering a big money bid to prize him away from St Mary’s, so they will be keeping a close watch on his progress over the coming weeks. Coming up against the likes of Neymar and company, though, may see him with his hands full.
Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla
Rakitic has seen his stock rise by a considerable amount this term as he has virtually dragged the Andalusian club up the La Liga table and to the final of the Europa League single handedly. Everyone from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool have been hoping to persuade him to jump ship, but he has so far decided to remain loyal to his current employers. A good showing in Group A could help him to see just how highly he is rated at the moment.
Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich
The Bayern striker has been the main man in front of goal for club and country this season, but faces being cast aside next term with the impending arrival of Robert Lewandowski. He is fully aware that he is too good to be playing second fiddle to anybody, and may force Chelsea or Arsenal into making a concrete offer for him when the transfer window re-opens in July.
Cameroon
Nicolas N’Koulou – Marseille
Pacey full-back N’Koulou has been mooted as a potential replacement for Bacary Sagna at Arsenal, and has a great chance now to show just what he can do on the biggest stage there is. Marseille are set to undergo a radical facelift this summer, too, with a number of their top stars set to move on, and N’Koulou could add a few more names to the list of possible destinations with a good showing at the World Cup.
Alex Song – Barcelona
The former Arsenal star has not had the best time of it in Catalonia and has been gradually ushered toward the exit door. He has been linked with a return to north London over the summer, and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest. Some good performances in the group stage could see one of those sides finally decide to make their move.
Samuel Eto’o – Free Agent
At one time Eto’o was one of the deadliest strikers in the world, but this time around he’s just been released by Chelsea following a mediocre season in west London. However, he is still a very capable player to have in the squad and it will only take a couple of goals to prompt clubs to dip into their pockets to make him an attractive offer once he returns home.
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa – Ajaccio
Many were left scratching their heads when the 28-year-old opted to join the Corsican side back in 2011, believing that he was worthy of a higher platform in which to showcase his considerable talents. After a disappointing campaign with Ajaccio, he has decided to run down his contract and is now looking for a new club, and the tournament will provide him with a great chance to give clubs a chance of a closer inspection.
Carlos Vela – Real Sociedad
Since leaving Arsenal two years ago, the 25-year-old has been in high demand as his exploits in front of goal for Real Sociedad have showed that he is finally starting to fulfil the enormous potential he showed during the early stages of his career. He has since claimed to be open to a return to the Premier League as Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all watch him with admiring eyes.
Javier Hernandez – Manchester United
Chicharito has looked a shadow of his former self this season as he barely got a chance to show David Moyes what he could do. The Scot is out of the picture now, but he may still not feature in Louis Van Gaal’s plans, meaning he may have to use the World Cup to show that he still hasn’t lost that devastating killer instinct in the box.